I'm thinking of moving from 5.1 to 7.1 and have a few questions:

1. Should I use my old 60w Hitachi receiver to power the rear centers with OUTLAW preamp out feeding the Hitachi AUX in? Would I then use the receiver's volume control to fine tune?

2. Is there is big difference between 6 and 7 in a room that is 20' long and 15' wide?

My main reason for 7 vs 6 is that the doorway into the room is rear center and it would be easier to place center speakers on either side plus I assume it might sound fuller.

If I used the configuration above would there be any dramatic difference between my setup and a 7.1 receiver like the Denon 3802?

How much better would the 950/770 sound? I have Klipsch Cornwall and Heresy speakers which are very effecient so I don't think I need much more power. The 950/770 is probably out my price range today.

[This message has been edited by Hoots (edited November 18, 2002).]